Operator Safety - Wastewater Operators - page 29

Note: Keep in mind that whatever type glove that is chosen to protect
the worker's hands and fingers, the glove must remain functional in
terms of dexterity, comfort, durability, and cost.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most of the workers in
selected occupations who suffered foot injuries were not wearing protec-
tive footwear. In the wastewater industry, foot injuries usually occur for
the same reason. Moreover, foot injuries usually occur when heavy or
sharp objects fall (typically falling fewer than 4 feet) on the foot, when
something rolls over the foot, or when the worker steps on an object that
pierces the sole of the shoe. foot protection is another requirement of
the OSHA PPE standard.
Selecting the proper protective footwear for workers depends on
the type of work they will be performing. For construction work (excava-
tions) or work involving rolling objects (e.g., rolling chlorine cylinders),
safety shoes with impact-resistant toes should be worn. For work in or
around liquid corrosive chemicals, rubber or synthetic footwear should
be worn. When a worker is involved in work around exposed electric
wires, metal-free nonconductive shoes should be worn. Again, the type
of safety shoe to be worn depends on the type of work that the worker is
assigned to do. Safety shoes come in a variety of styles and materials,
such as leather and rubber boots and oxfords.
An important factor about safety footwear that the plant safety per-
son needs to keep in mind is that, although OSHA requires employers to
ensure that workers are wearing proper safety shoes on the job, OSHA
does not mandate that the employer provide the safety shoes. This can
be a point of contention between the worker and management. Safety
shoes are not inexpensive. Some workers may resist purchasing the
expensive safety shoes required. This is where the plant safety person
must use the power of persuasion to ensure that management supports
and workers comply with this important safety requirement. As always,
training on footwear protection is crucial.
1.13.7 electrical safety (29 Cfr 1910.301-339)
Wastewater workers seem to have a healthy respect for electricity.
This respect for the power of electricity is well warranted; however, it
seems somewhat ironic that despite this deep respect for electricity most
workers seem to ignore or abuse electrical safe work practices. Perhaps
the answer lies in the fact that electricity, as a source of power, has
become so readily accepted that not much thought is given to its poten-
tial hazards. Because it has become such a familiar part of our surround-
ings, it often is not treated with the level of respect or fear it deserves.
Wastewater treatment and collection workers are exposed to elec-
trical equipment and hazards on a daily basis. For this reason, the
wastewater safety person must pay particular attention to this impor-
tant safety topic. When seeking information and guidance on electrical
hazards and their control, several different sources of information are